Although the technology for barcode scanning are many, but now laser-based bar code scanners and two-dimensional imager is undoubtedly the most popular technology. But both Which is good? Or they can each play a different role in it in different application scenarios? Then read on.
Technical Overview
Laser bar code scanners have been around for decades. They typically include a member movable mirrors including the composition, a laser barcode scanner over other types of scanners have many moving parts. At the same time, they are also sometimes considered to be fragile. However, years of product development made them very strong.
Dimensional imaging scanner using a camera and image processing techniques to solve a barcode. Smart phones can also be classified as a two-dimensional imager. They are now widely used as a bar code reader, especially a QR code. Since there are many types of smart phones, the quality level will be different. Therefore, the reliability varies by platform. Moreover, since the operating system variants too much, so the application range can be complicated.
Scanning Considerations
First, you have to figure out what type of bar code you need. To do this, you need to figure out the type and amount of data that you want to be embedded in the barcode.
One-dimensional (1D) bar codes have been around for decades, but the two-dimensional bar code is a relatively new thing. One-dimensional bar code is a linear bar code. Characterized as vertical lines, the vertical lines of different widths and gaps of the composition, to form a unique pattern. A two-dimensional (2D) bar codes generally square or rectangular two-dimensional pattern data is encoded. Typically, a two-dimensional bar code per unit area can accommodate more data.
Typically, the laser scanner can be more effectively than the two-dimensional bar code reading linear imager, it sweeps the barcode pattern is captured and decoded by a laser. On the other hand, the two-dimensional imager linear barcodes can be read, but not so fast and efficient. However, the two-dimensional imager to read the QR code such as a QR code and Data Matrix, but the laser scanner can not read.
If you need fast successive read a single bar code, usually using a laser scanner will be more ideal. However, if you need more time to read the bar code, the two-dimensional imager will be more effective. Another consideration is speed. If your application is once every few seconds to read the bar code, the most efficient laser scanners, although 2D imager can also be achieved.
Situation barcode
Another factor to consider is the bar code of the case. For example, in a warehouse environment, the bar code is likely to be damaged: torn portion, is covered with dirt, distort, and the like.
In the idealized environment bar code laser scanners and two-dimensional imager can be done very well. However, for low quality or damaged barcodes, two dimensional imager is more preferable. Poor dimensional imager good barcode may be better compensated image processing, comprising a fixed expansion / erosion, binarization, etc. to the spot to clean up and enhanced barcode, improve the recognition rate.
Barcode communication interface
When choosing a barcode scanner technology, but also need to consider whether you need to read a bar code from the screen. Laser scanners rely on intensity of reflected light to decode the barcode. The monitor screen is not enough light reflected back to the scanner. Therefore, the laser scanner can not read the bar code from the screen.
However, with smart phones such as the two-dimensional imager bar code image can be captured, and then processes the image, and barcode decoding. It is almost an instant process. So, if you need to read the bar code on the screen, such as computer monitors, smart phones or tablets, two-dimensional imager may be the best choice.
It made more than a simple summary and comparison of two-dimensional laser scanners and imagers. You want to make these two technologies have some understanding. For more detailed information, see the following resources.
Source / Resources
Laser Imager - which scan technology better?
https://corp.trackabout.com/lasers-vs-imagers
Assessment of bar code scanning technology: Laser Imager - Barcode news
https://www.barcodesinc.com/news/?p=8095
Advantages and disadvantages of using a hand-held bar code scanner - Supply Chain Services
https://www.supplychainservices.com/blog/pros-and-cons-using-hand-held-bar-code-scanners
Camera-based technology and laser technology
https://www.colterlec.com.au/news/post/camera-based-vs-laser-technology/
Laser imaging and: the truth about the bar code reader
http://www.mhlnews.com/transportation-amp-distribution/imaging-vs-laser-truth-about-bar-code-readers
Comprehensive guide to one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar code
https://www.dynamsoft.com/blog/barcode-reader/the-comprehensive-guide-to-1d-and-2d-barcodes/
Use clean image as a pretreatment to improve the bar code recognition rate
https://www.dynamsoft.com/blog/document-imaging/image-cleanup-pre-processing/
